A key initiative in my campaign is are Protective Pregnancy Provisions, which focus on ensuring that all pregnant employees in Stations are offered restricted duty jobs in safer environments. This initiative allows pregnant employees, such as Cleaners, Station Agents, and others, to work in locations like the numerous MTA headquarters, away from hazardous conditions like steel dust, heavy lifting, and unsafe subway environments. It ensures they are protected from physical strain, unsafe interactions, and health risks during one of the most critical times in their lives.

Why THESE Provisions Matter

• Protecting the Health of Employees and Their Babies: Working in subway environments poses serious risks to pregnant employees. Exposure to steel dust, extreme temperatures, and physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy trash containers or navigating stairs, can cause pregnancy complications. Protective Pregnancy Provisions address these risks by placing pregnant employees in safer, restricted duty roles, ensuring that their health and the health of their unborn child are prioritized.

• Creating Safer, Less Stressful Work Conditions: Subway stations often expose employees to challenging interactions, including encounters with those who could be a potential threat. These situations are especially dangerous for pregnant employees, who’s unborn children should be safeguarded from such risks. By relocating these workers to MTA headquarters' or similarly safe environments, it shields them from potentially harmful encounters and provides a more stable, less stressful working environment.

• Reducing Exposure to Illness and Injury: Pregnant employees are more susceptible to illness, and working in crowded public spaces increases their exposure to potentially sick individuals. This initiative will limit their contact with large groups of people, reducing the chances of contracting illness and ensuring their overall safety. Additionally, it protects them from common subway-related injuries, such as slips, falls or lifting-related accidents, by providing them with safer duties away from the field.

The Economic and Health Impact

• Preventing Pregnancy-Related Health Issues and Complications: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that physical strain, such as heavy lifting and exposure to extreme temperatures, can increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications. These include preterm labor, low birth weight & other health risks. This initiative will dramatically reduce the chances of these issues by ensuring that pregnant employees work in environments that protect their physical health.

• Maintaining Employment and Income: Pregnant employees should not have to choose between their health and their livelihood. By placing them in restricted duty roles, we ensure they can continue working safely throughout their pregnancy without jeopardizing their income. This reduces the need for early maternity leave or absenteeism due to health concerns, allowing them to stay on the job while protecting themselves and their unborn children.

• Compliance with Employment Laws and Standards: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act and guidelines from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stress the importance of providing reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. My Pregnancy Provisions ensure that we fully comply with these standards, protecting the rights and well-being of pregnant employees and guaranteeing that they receive fair treatment and support.

Why it Matters Now

• Responding to the Risks of Subway Environments: Subway environments are physically demanding and can be dangerous for pregnant employees, particularly when it comes to lifting, exposure to steel dust, or navigating hazardous conditions. This initiative offers immediate protection by placing pregnant workers in roles away from these dangers, ensuring they aren’t exposed to situations that could compromise their health or the safety of their unborn child.

• Reducing Physical and Emotional Stress: Working in an unpredictable and, at times, unsafe subway environment can take a significant toll on the mental and emotional well-being of pregnant employees. Exposure to aggressive individuals, overcrowded spaces & the physical challenges of the subway system adds unnecessary stress during pregnancy. By transferring employees to safer, more controlled environments like the numerous MTA headquarters, we promote their physical health and emotional well-being.

• Setting a Standard for Workplace Safety: This initiative not only provides better working conditions for pregnant employees but also sets a precedent for prioritizing employee health and safety. By creating safe spaces for pregnant workers and offering them reasonable accommodations, we set a higher standard of care for all employees, ensuring that everyone in the workforce is treated with dignity, respect, and consideration.

it’s a commitment to Safety

Protective Pregnancy Provisions are a commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of every pregnant employee in Stations. By providing restricted duty jobs in safer environments, we ensure that employees are protected from the physical and environmental dangers of subway work, such as exposure to steel dust, heavy lifting & potentially dangerous interactions with the public. This initiative offers the peace of mind that pregnant employees can continue to work without risking their health or that of their unborn child.

Together, we can push for these much-needed accommodations to create a safer, more supportive work environment for all pregnant employees. Let’s make sure no pregnant worker has to face unsafe conditions or unnecessary physical and emotional stress. This is about fairness, dignity & ensuring that every employee is given the care and support they need, particularly during such a crucial time in their lives.